2015 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Cabrio, A3 TDI Sedan priced and detailed

by Bob Nagy | June 19, 2014 1:18 PM

Already selling at a fairly healthy clip since its rollout in April, the popularity of the all-new Audi A3sedan is about to be further bolstered by the imminent arrival of three new variations on the theme - a hot S3 sedan, a cool A3 cabriolet and an econo-oriented A3 TDI clean diesel - all of which will be rolling into showrooms this summer.

For dedicated sunchasers, the 2015 Audi A3 cabriolet will be on offer in two flavors. The 1.8T version, with its 1.8-liter/170-horse TFSI four driving the front wheels via a 7-speed S tronic automatic will start at $36,495 and the 2.0T Quattro model with a 220-horsepower underhood upgrade and all-wheel drive begins at $39,495. Both A3 cabriolet models are fitted with a fully-padded, electro-hydraulically actuated power soft top that can be cycled in less than 18 seconds at the touch of a button. These al freso A3 family members also feature an active rollover protection system.

If fuel economy takes precedence, the 2015 Audi A3 TDI sedan offers up to 30 percent better fuel economy and range - official EPA numbers are still pending -- than an equivalent gasoline-powered model. Packing a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four that makes 150 horsepower but 236 lb-ft of torque, the new A3 TDI sedan opens at $33,495 -- $2,700 more than a base A3 1.8T sedan but $300 less than a 2.0-liter model.

Like the 2015 Audi A3 sedan, these new additions to the lineup will be available with everything from LED headlamps and 4G LTE connectivity to Audi Drive Select and premium Bang & Olufsen audio systems. Still waiting in the wings is the Audi A3 sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid, which is due to launch next spring.